‖ fauces, n. pl.
(ˈfɔːsiːz)
Also 6 faulses.
[Latin.]
See also faux.
1. Anat. The cavity at the back of the mouth, from which the larynx and pharynx open out.
| 1541 R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Chirurg., Demaunde. Whereof serueth the encla, and the amygdales and faulses and where are they sette? 1746 R. James Introd. Mouffet's Health's Improv. 3 The alimentary Mass..is thrust towards the Fauces. 1805 Med. Jrnl. XIV. 114 Without producing much affection of his salivary glands and fauces. 1878 Habershon Dis. Abdomen (ed. 3) 33 The anterior fauces are greatly narrowed. |
| transf. 1800 J. Hurdis Fav. Village 17 E'er he pours into the distant deep, Through the wide fauces of yon hiant cliffs. |
2. a. Bot. The throat of a calyx, corolla, etc.
b. Conch. That portion of the first chamber of a shell which can be seen from the aperture.
| 1840 Paxton Bot. Dict., Fauces, the gaping part of monopetalous flowers. |